An opening ceremony for the Tokyo Office of the Center for Japanese Studies, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), was held at Josai University’s Kioicho Campus in Chiyoda Ward on 24th of April, 2019.

The alma mater of former Chinese President Jiang Zemin, the Chinese university’s research center occupies a room at the Josai Kioicho Campus.

SJTU set up the center last June to mark the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and China. In January, both universities signed a memorandum of agreement on collaboration and exchange. Establishing the Tokyo Office is expected to accelerate the Chinese university’s research on Japan, as well as increase exchanges of students, professors and lecturers between the universities.

“We believe the Tokyo Office of the Center for Japanese Studies will provide a platform to enhance bilateral exchange between China and Japan,” SJTU Executive Vice President Ding Kuiling said in the ceremony. “We will collaborate with JIU to contribute to the flourishing of both countries by involving their businesses, academia and experts in various fields.”

Josai University Educational Corporation Director General Yukihisa Kitamura and SJTU Director of the Center for Japanese Studies Ji Weidong, among others, also delivered speeches to celebrate the establishment of the Tokyo office.

“We visited SJTU in January to deepen our collaboration. I am very happy that the day has finally come to launch the Tokyo Office of the Center for Japanese Studies,” Kitamura said.

Ji’s speech followed. “I am happy this ceremony is being held right after the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and China and right before the beginning of the Reiwa Era,” he said.

SJTU is one of the oldest universities in China. Its notable alumni include many politicians, researchers and engineers. It is renowned for the strength of its engineering teaching. Josai University actively cooperates with universities around the world, boasting alliances with about 200 universities in about 30 countries and regions. The two universities will further strengthen collaboration through nurturing future leaders. This will be accomplished by establishing solid relationships and promoting research and education in the fields where both universities have an advantageous edge, as well as teaming up with Japanese business and cultural organizations.